UAE, Syria resume flights following historic presidential visit

The United Arab Emirates and Syria have agreed to resume commercial flights, the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced, marking a significant step in the restoration of bilateral ties following years of disruption caused by the Syrian civil war.

The GCAA confirmed that both countries are coordinating efforts to restart air travel “in a manner that enhances air traffic and supports passenger and cargo movement,” Caliber.Az reports, citing The National.

The announcement follows Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara’s landmark visit to the UAE on April 13 —his first official trip since assuming office in December. During his visit, President Al Shara met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who reaffirmed the Emirates' commitment to support Syria’s reconstruction and development efforts.

“The UAE will spare no effort in providing all possible support to Syria,” Sheikh Mohamed stated, signaling a new phase of cooperation.

Air traffic between Syria and several regional countries was suspended over the past decade due to the conflict and international sanctions. However, diplomatic and commercial ties have been gradually restoring since the removal of former Syrian president Bashar Al Assad late last year.

Several airlines have already resumed services. Turkish Airlines restarted flights to Damascus on January 23, followed by Qatar Airways on January 7. In the same month, Syrian Airlines operated the first international commercial flight out of Damascus since Assad's departure, flying to Sharjah.

Low-cost carrier Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has expressed interest in entering the Syrian market but remains cautious.

“Any decision will depend on the reliability, safety and security of Damascus airport,” said Johan Eidhagen, the airline's managing director, in a January interview with The National. “We believe Wizz Air could fly into Syria at some point, depending on the pace of improvements.”

Dubai-based flydubai is also monitoring the situation closely but has not yet announced a timeline for potential service resumption.

Despite these developments, Syria remains burdened by Western sanctions that continue to hinder its economic recovery. President Al Shara and Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani have intensified diplomatic efforts to push for the lifting of sanctions. While the United States welcomed last month’s cabinet reshuffle in Damascus, it has yet to commit to easing restrictions. The European Union, meanwhile, has lifted select financial constraints, allowing limited banking operations.

By Khagan Isayev